About this episode
Jeff Sikkenga and John Moser discuss the 'court packing' scandal of FDR's second term, how Democrats and Republicans in Congress revolted against what they saw as an attempt to consolidate power, even akin to how a dictator would behave. They also draw parallels with more recent calls to add Supreme Court justices, or force them to retire at a certain age, analyzing the potential legal and political fallout of such a move.You can download a free copy of John's "The Great Depression and New Deal - A Concise History" from our online bookstore. Other books mentioned include David Kennedy's "Freedom From Fear" and Jeff Shesol's "Supreme Power."Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy GyptonSubscribe to The American Idea through your favorite platform here.
Get every episode summarized
Each time The American Idea publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from The American Idea
The Last Adieu: Lafayette and Early America
The American Idea
Sep 9, 202639:54failed
Completing the Founding: The Northwest Ordinance of 1787
The American Idea
Aug 26, 202647:42pending
Fact or Fiction? Historians Discuss Young Washington
The American Idea
Aug 19, 202636:12pending
America's First Citizen: Character Lessons from George Washington
The American Idea
Aug 12, 202635:50pending